The law in Florida is once a person is convicted, their record cannot be sealed or expunged. If a person is asked about prior convictions, they would have to disclose it. It is most significant for a felony-related offense, because society hangs a great deal of the stigma against individuals that have felony convictions.
Individuals would lose certain employment opportunities if they have a felony conviction on their record. Any criminal charge at all shows the prospective employer or anyone who is looking at a record lack of judgment and inability to follow rules or laws. Any criminal case could have a significant impact on an individual’s immigration status or aspirations.
Ft. Lauderdale marijuana possession penalties can cause wide-ranging implications if the case is not handled properly. Any criminal prosecution, even prosecution for possession of marijuana and a misdemeanor amount, should not be taken lightly. It should be handled with a great degree of skill and care by a distinguished marijuana attorney.
What are the Consequences of a Misdemeanor Marijuana Conviction in Fort Lauderdale?
The long-term Ft. Lauderdale marijuana possession penalties depend on a couple of factors, like whether or not it is a misdemeanor or a felony. Felonies for marijuana possession are more serious and carry a greater degree of stigma versus a misdemeanor offense. When talking about each of those levels of charges, it depends on whether or not an individual adjudicated guilty, is convicted, or receives a withholding or adjudication. The big difference between those two is if somebody receives a withholding of adjudication, they can say that they were not convicted and it opens the possibility than an individual might be able to get their record sealed if they receive a withholding of adjudication.
If a Ft. Lauderdale resident is confused about the potential conviction they face, our knowledgeable attorneys could offer further clarification.
Understanding Public Perception
The public perception has changed and a lot people get into trouble, especially younger people. They tend to be a little looser with respect to marijuana use in public while driving around, going to a concert, and smoking in public.
At the end of the day, it is still unlawful and a criminal record is a person’s criminal record. It shows for anyone that is looking. It is a black mark and it shows the inability to follow rules and act properly. For example, in an employment setting, some employers would cast aside or have second thoughts about an individual that might have that on their record. They have not changed, the long-term implications really have not changed at all.
Handling a Possession of Cannabis Charge
It is just as easy to face a marijuana prosecution today as it was five years ago. There are a lot of better options than there were in the past in maneuvering through the criminal justice system through diversion programs and other means to get around the charge, have the charge dismissed, or through diversion programs that only an experienced criminal defense attorney with experience in the area of Fort Lauderdale with these types of cases would know.
It can be beneficial to speak with an attorney before facing Ft. Lauderdale marijuana possession penalties alone. It is a good idea for somebody to have an experienced criminal defense attorney by their side to help them get the best possible result that they can in any Fort Lauderdale marijuana charge. If you are in need of immediate assistance, contact us today to get started on your case.
